“One of the biggest advantages to having additional server horsepower is being able to rely on that power to make more ‘stuff’ happen in the game,” Microsoft writes. “Additionally, when more ‘stuff’ is being computed by the server, it affords the developer the ability to continuously patch and tune the game without the player even noticing. The addition of cloud-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Non-player Characters (NPC) have led to higher fidelity game worlds, and generally more exciting online game experiences.”

Why is this so crucial to the Xbox One’s future? Because if Microsoft can use its cloud platform as a major selling point, it can snag more console exclusives like Titanfall that can take advantage of Live Compute to offer the best online multiplayer experience around. So while Sony may be winning the early sprint of this generation’s console war, Microsoft might have the tools to win the marathon.